The main duties of the Treasurers office is issuing motor vehicle licenses and transferring vehicles. We collect property taxes for the city and county. Property taxes account for the majority of the revenue in the county budget.

The Treasurers office also assists senior and disabled citizens file applications for property tax relief and sales tax reductions. We also issue distress warrants for the Department of Revenue and Labor to the Sheriff office of non-payment of state sales taxes and unemployment insurance.

Property taxes, or "ad valorem" taxes are based on the value of the property. How is that value determined? It is based on the assessed value, or what the value of the property is actually worth. This is determined by comparing the value of the property to be assessed, with the value of similar property. So let’s say our property is worth $10,000, how do we know what our taxes will be?

Property taxes are based on a millage rate, which are expressed in mills. This is a unit equal to $.001 of a dollar. In South Dakota, the maximum tax levy is 12 mills, or $12 per thousand dollars of assessed value. So at that rate, our $10,000 piece of property would cost us $120 in taxes. But, South Dakota also allows additional levies for roads, snow removal, and buildings, as well as taxes assessed by other taxing entities.

MOTOR VEHICLES: In South Dakota, the county treasurer is responsible for issuing motor vehicle titles, licenses, registrations, and the recording and releasing of liens on motor vehicles. Although the Division of Motor Vehicles is the central state office for maintaining accurate motor vehicle records, it is the county treasurer who enters the vehicle information into the central database. This vehicle registration information is not only important to counties, but also other state, local and federal agencies as well. Vehicle licensing is an important responsibility and necessary for local governments. The money generated from licensing helps maintain your local roads and bridges.

COUNTY INVESTMENTS: The county treasurer's primary duty is to manage all county funds. Because the treasurer receives money from other county offices, they are responsible for investing that money to help generate more money. Common investments include CD's at the local bank or working with a professional cash management service.